LOCAL AREAS TO VISIT

LOCAL AREAS TO VISIT

Ainsdale Dunes NNR SD290100

Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve
is a 508-hectare site on the Sefton Coast and comprises rare sand
dune, beach and woodland habitats. There are around 10 kms (6¾ miles)
of way-marked footpaths to follow, and so tranquil and wild is the place
that it is easy to forget that you are surrounded by one of the most
urban areas in England. There is plenty to see - come at the right
time, and you might see a host of stunning butterflies like painted
ladies, dark green fritillaries, commas, peacocks, red admirals and
meadow browns. Pay a visit to the ponds during the summer and you could
find the area around them alive with glittering, jewelled dragonflies.
The Reserve is also home to mammals, including foxes, hedgehogs,
rabbits and shrews, and a vast array of spectacular wildflowers such as
common restharrow, hound's tongue, bird's foot trefoil and a variety of
orchids.